One hundred and fifty supporters, partners and guests attended the official May 2 dedication ceremonies at three locations along the trail. These areas included Shoreline Park in Oscoda/ AuSable , Duck Park in Alpena, and the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park in Mackinaw City.

Numerous area Audubon chapter members, local township officials, chamber/ convention and visitor’s bureau representatives, a wildlife sanctuary board representative, press reporters, and TV station WBKB (Alpena) also attended or played a role in the celebrations.

A Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition was presented to AuSable Valley, Thunder Bay and Straits Area Audubons for their work toward the completion of the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail. It stated .“ On behalf of Michigan’s first Congressional District, thank you for your hard work in helping us appreciate Northern Michigan’s diverse wildlife and beautiful outdoors. Your passion and dedication is an inspiration to bird lovers across our great state.”